Pipe Bomb Suspect to Remain Detained Ahead of Trial
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A Virginia man accused of planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters will stay in jail as he awaits trial, a federal magistrate judge ruled Friday.
- Brian Cole Jr. is accused of planting explosive devices on the eve of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
- Prosecutors say Cole confessed to the crime, though he has not yet entered a plea.
- The judge deemed Cole a potential danger to the community, citing his alleged acquisition of bomb-making materials.
- Defense attorneys argued for Cole’s release, emphasizing his lack of a criminal record and employment in his father’s bail bonds business.
The man accused of planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021, will remain behind bars pending his trial. A federal magistrate judge determined Friday that Brian Cole Jr. poses a potential danger, effectively denying his release on bail.
Judge Cites Potential Danger
“Although home incarceration and a GPS monitor would provide some check against Mr. Cole’s ability to carry out any menacing or dangerous conduct in the community, the Court is simply not satisfied these conditions rise to the necessary level,” Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh wrote in his ruling. The judge’s decision hinged on the severity of the alleged crime and Cole’s reported capacity to create and deploy explosive devices.
Sharbaugh detailed the potential consequences had the plan succeeded, stating, “If the plan had succeeded, the results could have been devastating: creating a greater sense of terror on the eve of a high-security Congressional proceeding, causing serious property damage in the heart of Washington, D.C., grievously injuring DNC or RNC staff and other innocent bystanders, or worse.”
FBI Investigation and Charges
The FBI investigated the case, descending on Cole’s family home in Woodbridge in December. He faces charges of transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials. A D.C. Superior Court grand jury also indicted Cole on the same charges, though it remains to be determined if that indictment will be applicable in federal court.
Prosecutors allege that Cole confessed to planting the bombs, but he has not yet formally entered a plea. During a court appearance shortly after his arrest in Woodbridge, family members were present, expressing their support with cries of “We love you, Brian!”
What were the potential consequences of the alleged actions? The judge outlined a scenario involving widespread terror, property damage, and potential injuries to individuals at the DNC and RNC headquarters, as well as those involved in Congressional proceedings.
Defense attorneys argued against Cole’s detention, highlighting his clean criminal record and his employment in his father’s bail bonds business. They maintained that he did not pose a threat to the community.
